Nike’s Plushest Running Shoes Yet Bring New Meaning to the Term ‘Fat Stacks’

Over the years, Nike has taken some pretty bold approaches when it comes to recovery footwear. 

Sometimes these steps are pretty quiet. More often than not, however, they are pretty dang hard to miss. 

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Just think of the Joyride or, more recently, the Hyperboot. 

The latest to become part of that loud, proud tradition? The upcoming Vomero Premium, which boasts the tallest heel stack in Nike’s road running footwear lineup.

Beyond the visual impact, however, the shoe also promises to be the next big thing in recovery runs — and one the brand’s current golden girl swears by, no less.

Foam sweet foam

According to Nike, the Vomero Premium — and to a lesser extent the new Vomero Plus — offer “an unbelievably cushioned and comfortable ride, helping athletes unlock new levels of performance, impact protection and recovery.”

So how cushy are we talking here? 

Nike

Billed as the ultimate recovery trainer, the Premium features a 55-millimeter (~2.17-inch) stack height, the tallest in Nike’s road running footwear lineup.  

Inspired by anti-gravity treadmills used by world-class athletes to push themselves harder without the accompanying impact, the shoe features a ZoomX foam midsole that delivers roughly 85 percent energy return. 

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Additionally, Air Zoom units in the forefoot and heel are exposed to give each unit more space to expand and contract, further easing the ride and boosting energy return.

Nike even goes so far as to call the Vomero Premium a “super trainer” for helping marathoners pursue their personal bests.

Ya gotta have Faith

As you may know, one of Nike’s big initiatives of late is a project called Breaking4, through which Kenyan superstar Faith Kipyegon will attempt to become the first woman to run a four-minute mile. 

The world record holder for the 1,500 meters and mile will attempt to shave 7.64 seconds off her own personal best in the latter this Thursday at Paris’s Stade Charléty. Leading up to it, the Vomero Premium is one of her go-to shoes. 

Nike

“The Vomero Premium is a key part of my training journey to break the 4-minute mile,” she says. “It’s so soft, cushioned and comfortable, and it helps me train harder with less impact to allow me to recover faster and stay focused on my goal.”

There’s a larger framework at play here, too, as Nike has simplified its road running footwear into three distinct categories. 

Nike

The Structure line provides supportive cushioning and a stable ride, while Pegasus offers responsive cushioning and all-day energy return. Last but not least, Vomero focuses on maxed-out cushioning and ultimate comfort.

With that in mind, the Vomero Premium (and Vomero Plus) shoes represent significant steps up from the Vomero 18’s introductory cush, rounding out that particular lineup.

Availability and pricing

The Nike Vomero Plus will be available for $170 beginning August 7 at nike.com and select retail partners.

The Nike Vomero Premium will be available for $220 at select retail partners October 2 and globally October 16.

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